The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1887-11-10
THE CAPITOL DOME.

The question of the construction of the
dome of Texas new state house, and the
stability of the whole building, has gone
out beyond mere question Of fact, and
is under preiudiced hands, assuming the
shape of a state scandal. In this matter,
of so much interest to the state, there is
occasion and necessity that only cold facts
be considered, and business-like methods
obtain, in the deciding of all questions
pertaining to the erection of this mann
moth structure. In the case now
under consideration, il being
whether or not the foundation
and superstructure up to the dome can
sustain the weight of the dome if built
according to original specifications, it
will be well to unearth little history. 1t
has been charged by some mslcontents,
or possibly they may honestly be labor
ing under some delusion, that the founda-
ton was miserably laid, of rotten stone,
etc, and the remainder of the building
being ON par with such work, of course
the dome of the weight originally in
tended will crush through such work. In
this connection we clip from the "Third
biennial report of the capitol build
ing commission to the governor of Texas"
bearing date November l, 1885, On pages
43 and A is found the following:
after some correspondence and tele-
graphing, Colonel Myers finally, on the
9Th of October, reached Austin. On the
following day the commissioners ad-
dressed Colonel Myers note, requesting
him "tO make an examination of the
work thus far done upon the capitol
building and submit written report of
same, stating whether the interior and
exterior walls, as constructed are fully
Sufficient to sustain the superstructure
after reserving factor of safety to cover
all contingencies, and also to state if the
work so far has been done according to
contract and specifications"
To this request designing architect,
Myers replied as follows:
AUSTIN. TExAs, o tober 9, 1855.
Messrs. Lee and McLaurin, LapitOl Building ON
missioners
Gentlemen-On my last visit to your city, Janu,
ary 2l 1881, the concrete work for the foundation
of the capitol building had just been completed in
accordance with the epe fcations for said work.
Since that time the exterior and interior walls Of
the basement have been completed andithe granite
water table finished. / have made q careful ex-
animation of the work thus far executed and the
material fu nished, and It is my opinion that the
workmanship IL of such character that the most
competent expert could not find fault with l.. /
have seldom, If ever, eeen work Of such magnitude
executed in more thorough aud substantial man
ner The construction of the ntsnkOr and exterior
walls Ot limestone meets the requirements of the
specifications, and are amply strong throughout to
sustain the weight that will be imposed upon ZEN
by the euperstructure.
The water table is a splendid piece of ork. both
In ths cutting and the setting of the granite The
mortar used in construction is equal TO the best
found in any public building. The entire work
shows clearly that both yourselves and your super
intending architect, Gen. r. l.. Walker, have I'M
derstood and mastered the difficult task you have
In charge.
In conclusion cannot Say too much in praise
Of the red Texas granite rs the most MAGNIFICENT
and durable material for monumental building
TO be found In this or sny other country.
desire TO return my thanks through you to
General Walker for the able manner in which he
has superintendent the construction Of the work
since his connection with the building.
Very truly,
Z. E. MYERS, Designing Architect
This statement, from the architect who |
designed the building, and by whom pres
ent carpers swear, surely should put
quietus upon the faulty foundation theory.
But two years ago this same General
Walker, the superintendent, whom Mr..
Meyers at that time so highly compli-
mented, was calling attention to the
faulty construction of the entrance to the
dome in the south wing, and insisting
that the weight of the dome, as called for
in the specifications, was entirely too
great. And this matter he has ever since
then been constantly drumming at. Gov